The Federal Government has suspended the deduction of state governments’ loans from their accounts maintained in the Federation Account.
Some States had taken loans which are repaid through monthly deductions from funds accruing to them in the Federation Account.
However, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, at the end of the National Executive Council, NEC, on Thursday, said state governments’ loan repayment to the Federation Account was deferred to allow states have enough money in their coffers to pay workers salaries and meet other obligations in their states.
According to her, “On the update of the financial situation of the states, it was discussed extensively that currently the federation account receipt are among the lowest that has been seen in recent memory. We are looking at N299 billion this month and that is because of the very low oil prices that was recorded in January and February.
“If you remember oil prices went as low as $28 and $31 per barrel and of course that has led to a very low federation account as a result of this, I approached the President and the governors that we defer the loan deductions from the federation account entitlement.
“The aim of this is to ensure that we support the state governments throughout this difficult period in order for them to meet salary obligations. The government is very committed to stimulating the economy and recognizes that ability of states to meet salary obligations is a very crucial in getting the economy moving again.”
